Congleton Jazz and Blues back and bigger than ever for 15th anniversary festival
Congleton Jazz and Blues returns for its 15th anniversary this summer.
This year's event, on the August bank holiday weekend, promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
Over the two core festival days (August 23 and 24), a total of 28 venues will stage around 93 gigs, with the popular Umbrella Parade also making a return.
Having got the planning done early, the ever-growing organising committee are now ramping up promotion efforts.
Mark Bailey, chairman of committee, said: "Our gig-curator, Mark H, has done a sterling job, having already booked and assigned the vast majority of this year's gigs.
"That gives us the opportunity for early compilation of our programme booklet and other promotional materials for distribution from early July.
"The extra gigs, and our ambitions for the town, represents an added pressure on volunteers so I am delighted to note that we have increased our number by two new volunteers, who so enjoyed the Unplugged Festival, they just 'had to contribute'
"Welcome on board to Tony and Nigel, who join the three Mikes, two Marks, Jo, Jacqui, and Rick."
History of Congleton Jazz and Blues
The life of Jazz and Blues began in 2009 when Joe Manning, a local entrepreneur and pub owner, decided to set up a musical festival in Congleton.
Inspired by Nantwich, Joe staged the 'humble' first edition of Congleton Jazz and Blues in 2010.
The following year he was joined in his efforts by Vince Cutcliffe, who held the organisational reins until his retirement in 2022, when Mark Bailey agreed to step up.
2013 saw the launch of Congleton Unplugged, which is see as a way of 'awakening' the town from the slumbers of winter.
Further innovation came in the form of the New Orleans-inspired Umbrella Parade, which sees people of all ages carrying umbrellas of all styles as they follow a jazz band through the centre of town.
In 2020, a Community Interest Company - Congleton Live CIC - was established to give the volunteer group a legal structure.
The organisation survives on a very modest budget, paying no salaries and with funds spent on promotion and development of the festivals plus essential professional services.
Support comes from Congleton Town Council, Inclosure Trust, and Town Trust, as well as a collection of local businesses including AD Profile Design Works, Beartown Brewery, Hammond McNulty, Eze Talk Limited, Marks Events, CMJ Embroidery, and Congleton Market Quarter.
This year's festival takes place over Saturday (August 23) and Sunday (August 24).
Programmes and merchandise will start being sold at venues around Congleton from the end of July or early August.
Further information can be found on the festival's website and social media platforms.
Chairman of the organising committee Mark added: "We love their enthusiasm and the palpable delight that they share with us, during and after our festivals."
Objectives of Congleton Live CIC
- Driving Town Centre sustainability by increasing footfall and interest therein
- Provide accessible events and venues for all music lovers
- Entertain and educate
- Motivate engagement from business community and other interest groups
- Engage with new residents and out-of-towners
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